The Monkees were an American pop-rock group created for a television series but quickly developed into a genuine band with an adventurous recording catalog. Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork broke through in 1966 with “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer,” then fought for greater creative control and made increasingly ambitious records including Headquarters and Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. Their music also produced “Daydream Believer,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday” and “Randy Scouse Git.” Multiple reunions across later decades ultimately affirmed the group’s lasting musical identity beyond its television origins.
